2025 Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show

Workshop Category: Workshop Title: Workshop Description:
Administration ABCs of Liquid Fuels Tax Funds This session will provide an overview of Municipal Liquid Fuels Tax Funds, including how they are allocated, the rules and regulations for using them, allowable expenditures, reporting requirements, common audit findings, and the resources available from PennDOT for municipal officials related to liquid fuels.
Administration Act 111: Bringing Your Issues to Life You win or lose in arbitration based on whether you convince the Act 111 neutral arbitrator to accept and address your essential issues. Whether your message is sustainability, dealing with fiscal distress, correcting past contractual problems, including excessive overtime, or regaining management rights, how do you persuade a neutral arbitrator to address these issues? Learn from experienced municipal Act 111 arbitrators how to present your optimal case to achieve the best results.
Administration Adapting to the Digital Era: Transforming Local Government This workshop will explore the evolving landscape of local governance in the digital age through discussion of the challenges and opportunities faced by townships in embracing technological advancements for improved service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. The presentation will share success stories and best practices from communities that have successfully navigated this digital shift.
Administration Adhering to the Ethics Act to Stay Out of the News The Ethics Act states that public office is a public trust. Efforts to realize financial gain through public office or employment other than compensation provided by law is a violation of that trust. In this presentation, learn what the Ethics Act is and how the State Ethics Commission enforces it, what situations can result in violations of the act, and how to spot a potential problem so you can stay on the right side of the law – and out of the newspapers!
Administration AI in Townships: ChatGPT and Beyond This workshop introduces township officials to the evolving world of AI, focusing on ChatGPT and the latest tools to enhance communication, streamline operations, and improve decision-making. Updated for 2025, participants will explore practical AI applications through hands-on activities and discover innovative strategies for using AI to boost efficiency, transparency, and community engagement in township management.
Administration Building a Successful Retirement Plan for Your Municipality This workshop will provide an introduction to retirement plan options available to townships through the Pennsylvania Municipalities Pension Trust.
Administration Community Event Essentials: Planning, Fundraising & More Dive into the dynamic world of events and fundraising with this engaging class! Whether you're new or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will guide you through the essentials of planning successful events and raising funds. Learn practical tips, creative strategies, and effective techniques to make your events memorable and impactful. From brainstorming ideas to executing events, this class gives you the tools and knowledge needed to turn your fundraising goals into reality.
Administration Dealing with Bizarre and Unique Employment Questions Lessons can often be learned from the craziest real-life scenarios. This workshop will review entertaining and unique employment situations involving hiring, firing, and everything in between.
Administration Drug Testing in the Workplace Whether your township employs CDL drivers, police, public works employees, or any other individual that may be subject to drug testing, you want to make sure you are up to date on the latest changes in the law. This program will address how to handle marijuana issues, new hire/job applicant testing, CDL compliance with DOL testing requirements, and more issues that often arise. We will review what a thorough policy looks like and best practices for implementation.
Administration Enhancing Public Outreach: Website and Communication This workshop covers modern web development practices for public entities, focusing on accessibility, responsiveness, and content management. The session also examines communication tools for real-time interaction and feedback from residents, helping organizations build transparency and trust. Instructors will discuss techniques for integrating social media and optimizing search engines to ensure public messages effectively reach a broader audience.
Administration Evolving Best Practices in Bid Management As townships strive for better pricing and greater bidder participation, they face continually evolving challenges, including material and labor shortages, supply chain issues, and availability of qualified bidders. This thought-provoking session will help you visualize strategies that position your township to not only meet the core requirements of bidding but also consider best practices that produce real results when managing bids in today’s changing environment.
Administration Future-Proofing Township Services: Adapting to New Trends This workshop will help participants anticipate and adapt to the future trends shaping township services by discussing the impact of such trends as remote work, smart cities, sustainability, and evolving citizen expectations on local government. The presentation will provide insights and strategies for townships to stay agile, embrace innovation, and deliver services that meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Administration Insurance 101: Choosing the Right Coverage This workshop will provide a detailed overview of insurance coverages offered through the PSATS Trustees Insurance Program, including medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability benefits.
Administration Low-Cost Strategies for Public Engagement Residents may not be available or comfortable attending traditional public meetings. The presenters will discuss creative strategies to encourage public engagement and share how they’ve applied them successfully in real-world case studies. Strategies include easy, low-cost technology and in-person activities that even small teams with limited resources can implement. Presenters will also discuss how these online tools can streamline data processing and analysis.
Administration Municipal Labor Negotiations in the Current Economy This session will address requirements for preparing for and conducting negotiations under Act 195 and Act 111, plus binding arbitration where applicable. The presenters will also address issues and goals to be considered during the negotiation process, including how to achieve certain cost-saving measures on behalf of the township. Presenters will also discuss current trends in municipal negotiations and Act 111 arbitration, as well as what the future holds.
Administration Municipal Legal Updates, Game-Show Style Join Attorney Samuel E. Wiser Jr. of Salzmann Hughes, P.C. for an interactive, game show‐themed presentation that encourages audience input while reviewing categories of municipal legal updates. These include challenging examples of property law, land use, zoning, labor and employment, and the many everyday legal issues facing municipal managers and leaders.
Administration Navigating Changes in Cable Franchising Major changes in the cable industry have reshaped the landscape for townships wishing to start or renew franchises with their cable companies. The rise of streaming services and recent moves by companies to compete with incumbent cable providers, for example, have sown confusion. This session will outline townships' legal rights, recommend a course of action, and focus on how townships can increase their financial and cable-related benefits in this changed environment.
Administration Preventing and Addressing Fraud in Local Government This workshop will explore the significant impact of fraud in local government, focusing on real-life examples and the latest statistics. Attendees will learn practical strategies for preventing fraud, including robust internal controls, effective pre-employment screening, and theft reporting policies. The session will also cover best practices for responding to suspected fraud, including internal investigations and damage control measures.
Administration PSATS Legislative Update Attend this workshop to gain insight on PSATS' legislative program. Hear the latest updates on key issues like unfunded mandates, land use, and local control. Ask questions and learn how to be a more effective advocate. PSATS will also offer guidance on how to use its new grassroots advocacy tool. A reception with members of the General Assembly follows on Tuesday evening.
Administration Public Meetings in Contentious Times Attorneys from Kilkenny Law, LLC will present a mock public meeting in the continuing saga of Calamity Township, which will build on last year's conference presentation. The session will address various issues that elicit heated debate or are commonly encountered in public meetings of boards of supervisors and found in the Sunshine Act and Second Class Township Code, including executive sessions, public comment, zoning ordinance hearings, and Robert's Rules of Order issues.
Administration QuickBooks Roundtable This session will allow township staff who use QuickBooks to gather and talk about their issues and concerns. There will be a live demo of a QuickBooks file to provide examples of the Chart of Accounts, different funds, transfers between funds, payroll questions, and more. Come prepared to ask questions, network, and learn!
Administration Reaching for Excellence: A Guide to Public Service A follow-up to “Surviving and Thriving as a Municipal Administrator,” this fun and informative class is geared toward township employees looking to implement tools and behaviors to take their personal service and municipal service up a notch. The presentation will cover organization, leading by example, creating a deep want in others to perform well, and establishing healthy and supportive working relationships. These goals take work and dedication but are well worth the effort!
Administration Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act Update This workshop will provide an overview of significant decisions under the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act in the last year from both the courts and the Office of Open Records. The session will also cover legislative changes and how they affect townships and their open records officers' and officials' procedures and determinations of what are and are not public records, plus open meetings requirements.
Administration Secretaries-Managers Q&A This popular annual gathering gives township secretaries, managers, and other administrators a chance to ask questions and share ideas with their peers. Attend this workshop to learn more about your role.
Administration Smart Debt, Strong Townships: Municipal Borrowing in 2025 This workshop will feature a panel discussion on the positive aspects of municipal debt in 2025, highlighting how strategic borrowing can be a valuable tool for townships. As governments face rising costs, infrastructure needs, and economic challenges, the panelists will share insights into why well-managed municipal debt is not just necessary but also beneficial for long-term growth and stability.
Administration Speaking the Same Language: Multi-Generational Communication Are you and your colleagues speaking the same language? With many offices having four to five generations working together, this can be difficult. This class will discuss the trends of each generation, including how they prefer to work and communicate. Participants will leave with information about each generation’s preferences, best practices, and prompts to help them start communicating better in their departments and teams.
Administration Strategies for Dealing with Rogue Elected Officials Unfortunately, when rogue elected officials act in a way that is contrary to the interests of their township, they cannot be disciplined for bad behavior. Their bad behavior (whether in person or online) can cause both practical problems and legal liability. This session will explore how a rogue official’s bad conduct undermines township operations and legal defenses and suggest actions to take to potentially mitigate liability and stop bad behavior.
Administration Strategies for Funding Stormwater Projects How do you address decades of aging infrastructure, pollutant reduction requirements, and long-term flooding on a tight municipal budget? See how one Pennsylvania township has acquired the funding for $12 million in stormwater improvements in three years by leveraging a stormwater fee, partnerships, low-interest loans, and $5 million in grants to strategically implement a capital improvement plan.
Administration Succession Planning for Your Township Preparing for the loss of critical personnel is vital to ensuring the short- and long-term health of your municipality. Waiting until an employee has left before starting to think about a successor is a problem. In this session, we will discuss how your municipality can put processes in place to ensure seamless transitions and what you can do to ensure continuity when an overlapping transition is not possible.
Administration Supervisors Have Rights, Too! (Part 2) This workshop will provide a general but thorough overview of the many rights afforded to supervisors under the Second Class Township Code using everyday challenges faced by all supervisors. Many supervisors do not understand the protections and opportunities already covered by the code. We will review specifically the "hot" topics of the day, including fire and ambulance services and solar issues, and make every effort to make their jobs easier.
Administration The State of Stormwater Financing in 2025 This crash course on recent developments in stormwater management financing will review the state of relevant case law, including PASSHE v. Borough of West Chester, and other pending cases and litigation. Presenters will discuss the benefits of stormwater fees to equitably allocate the costs of a regional program. Attendees will leave with the knowledge to establish a legally defensible stormwater fee.
Administration There are Fines? Preparing for a PADEP MS4 Audit This workshop prepares township officials and public works staff for an MS4 audit by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Participants will learn what to expect, how to avoid common compliance issues, and prevent fines through effective recordkeeping, public education, and BMPs. The session covers audit preparation, including data collection, documentation, and key focus areas for inspectors. Attendees will gain strategies to ensure full compliance and reduce the risk of penalties.
Administration This Never Happens Here: Dealing with Potential Misconduct Employers take no pleasure in imposing disciplinary sanctions against an employee, but it is sometimes a necessary tool to address employment-related misconduct and other circumstances. However, when mistakes are made in the decision-making process, disciplinary action can be nullified, reversed, and/or create significant liability exposure, thereby making a bad situation even worse. Attendees of this workshop will learn the keys to a proper investigation and sound decision-making.
Administration Upskilling Communications in Government: A 360 View In today's interconnected world, effective communication is essential for fostering transparency, collaboration, and community engagement. This session provides a comprehensive exploration of key communication strategies. The first part will focus on clear, empathetic, and engaging communication with the public. The second will delve into crafting engaging content on social media while still managing costs, and the last will focus on building productive relationships with elected officials.
Administration Website Essentials: Creating User-Friendly and Secure Sites This 30-minute workshop will provide an overview of essential elements for creating a successful municipal website. Participants will learn how to design a user-friendly site, organize content effectively, and prioritize security measures. Key topics include website structure, content organization, and cybersecurity best practices, such as plugin maintenance and protection of sensitive information.
Planning/Zoning A Blueprint for Mastering Parks & Rec Projects Ready to bring your parks & recreation facilities to the next level? This session is your ultimate guide to planning, financing, and constructing the perfect project. From the first spark of an idea to the final ribbon-cutting, you'll discover the secrets to success at every stage — needs assessments, planning, design, financing, bidding, and overcoming construction hurdles. Learn from planners, architects, and township managers who will share real-world stories and lessons learned.
Planning/Zoning A Simulated Hearing on Multifamily Housing Join Barley Snyder attorneys in an engaging and educational interactive experience that delves into the complexities of a conditional use application for a multifamily development. This session will simulate real-world applications featuring township staff, township solicitors, elected officials, a developer, and objectors from the audience. Participants will learn how to effectively handle complex zoning matters in their municipality.
Planning/Zoning A Toolkit for Today's Code Enforcement Join Attorney Zach Rice as he offers detailed examples of proper enforcement of municipal codes, such as nuisance ordinances, property maintenance codes, and building codes. Attendees will also review new data and trends and learn the latest legal tools for a modern code enforcement toolkit.
Planning/Zoning Are You Ready for Digital Permitting? Learn the benefits of transitioning a permit office from file cabinets full of paper permits and spreadsheets to a digital database permit program with linked data tables and associated PDF scans of paper permits. Such a transition can bring organization to the permit office and reduce or eliminate the file cabinets of storage. The presenter will discuss how to prepare existing documents and data for the transition and how best to track permits and related data going forward.
Planning/Zoning Character Preservation Through Land Use and Planning It is no secret that local land use policies have a direct impact on how communities grow and change. They influence housing, transportation, economic opportunities, open space, schools, and much more. However, we often overlook those same policies when trying to sustain the characteristics we love about our municipalities. Explore how land use and planning play a pivotal role in character preservation in rural communities, from green spaces to residential areas to mixed-use development.
Planning/Zoning Do Tiny Backyard Homes Have a Home in Your Township? Elderly Cottage Housing Option (ECHO) dwellings are "tiny homes" that are installed on single-family properties to provide elderly and disabled relatives of the property owner with simple, safe, and convenient housing. With home prices and rents at all-time highs, ECHO dwellings can be an affordable and common-sense way to keep families in the Township and attract new families to the community. Sound interesting? Join us to learn the ABCs of ECHOs and how to create an ECHO ordinance.
Planning/Zoning Hazard Mitigation Trends and Challenges In this workshop, planners from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will borrow from recently approved local hazard mitigation plans and plan reviews to provide insights into progress and challenges in advancing risk communication, data documentation, and project implementation.
Planning/Zoning Intergovernmental MS4 Collaboration: A Pennsylvania Toolkit Collaborative approaches to meeting MS4 pollutant reduction requirements can provide better opportunities to implement more meaningful and cost-effective projects. Due to the small size of jurisdictions and often limited resources, accomplishing this independently can be particularly challenging for local governments. Instructors will share the Pennsylvania MS4 Collaboration Toolkit as a resource for municipalities that want to work across jurisdictional boundaries.
Planning/Zoning Land Use and Zoning Law Update 2025 The workshop will provide a summary of current land use and zoning laws in Pennsylvania, including recent court decisions from 2024 through early 2025. The session will focus on the practical impacts of new statutes and court decisions on municipalities and planners. Interesting news stories related to land use and zoning issues may also be discussed. Question-and-answer time will allow participants to inquire about issues not specifically addressed.
Planning/Zoning Managing Truck Traffic: A Collaborative Approach This workshop will cover key topics in freight planning and management. Participants will learn how to collaborate with metropolitan or rural planning organizations, PennDOT, and neighboring municipalities to address truck parking and traffic on local and state roads. The session will also explore industrial land use needs and provide examples of how a collaborative multiregion effort used the Eastern PA Freight Plan to successfully turn policy into comprehensive freight-land use actions.
Planning/Zoning New Energy Uses and the Impact on Zoning As artificial intelligence booms and the digital world grows, so does the demand for data centers. Solar development has also experienced exponential growth, driven by the adoption of diverse incentives that encourage renewable energy. However, energy-related development presents several challenges for municipalities and developers. This workshop discusses some of the issues while highlighting how municipalities can use their zoning ordinance to streamline the development process.
Planning/Zoning PA Laws For Agriculture: Your Municipality and ACRE 101 In the first half of the workshop, an attorney from the Penn State Ag and Shale Law Center will discuss the applicable statewide laws and regulations that address agricultural operations, highlighting details of the Pa. Nutrient & Odor Management, Right to Farm, and Ag Security Area regulations and more. In the second half, the ACRE attorney from the Pa. Office of the Attorney General will explain what ACRE is and what it means for municipalities.
Planning/Zoning Reduce Liability, Cost, and Strain of Land Development Land development can bring financial liabilities for a municipality and increase the need for municipal services and infrastructure, but townships have many tools to help reduce risk and establish a positive relationship with developers. This workshop will provide an overview of these tools and offer tips to ensure new development is sustainable and doesn’t burden infrastructure, natural resources, or the municipal budget, while emphasizing the value of design reviews and inspections.
Planning/Zoning Safeguarding Against Noncompliant Development This workshop will explain how professional engineers and solicitors use the MPC to protect townships during the development process. Plan reviews ensure proposed development complies with local regulations and standards, preventing costly and time-consuming delays. They also safeguard public safety by verifying that plans meet building codes and environmental requirements, and are crucial for maintaining transparency, preventing legal disputes, and protecting the municipality.
Planning/Zoning Short-Term Rentals: Ingredients for Effective Administration This workshop is designed to provide participants with up-to-date information on short-term rental management practices in Pennsylvania. In this session, "Soup to Nuts," we will cover the ingredients for efficient short-term rental administration, including where to start, implementation, and lessons learned. This is the first of a two-part series (the other is "Short-Term Rentals: The Makings of Effective Enforcement.").
Planning/Zoning Short-Term Rentals: The Makings of Effective Enforcement This workshop is designed to provide participants with up-to-date information on short-term rental management practices in Pennsylvania. In this session - "Cooking Up Compliance" - we will cover the makings of effective enforcement of your municipality's short-term rental ordinance and regulations to resolve conflict, reduce complaints, and save time and money. This is the second of a two-part series (the other is "Short-Term Rentals: Ingredients for Effective Administration.").
Planning/Zoning Solar and Storage Development Primer This workshop will review the typical solar and storage development process and answer common questions about the entire solar facility life cycle from development to operation to end of life.
Planning/Zoning Solar Ordinances and Conservative's View: Let's Talk In this session, the Conservative Energy Network provides township staff and elected officials with information on the role renewable energy sources play in providing a reliable and sustainable energy grid at a critical time in Pennsylvania energy history.
Planning/Zoning Using Zoning to Address the Housing Shortage Often overlooked, housing remains one of the most important land uses in any municipality. As the demand for housing continues to exceed supply, municipalities can adopt several strategies to address the housing needs of their communities. This workshop will discuss various strategies for municipalities to consider when reviewing their zoning ordinances and collaborating with developers to address the demand for housing.
Planning/Zoning Utility-Scale Solar: Preparing for a Surge of Projects Large numbers of utility-scale solar projects are being proposed or constructed in many communities across PA. In many cases, both a municipality's residents and its officials are unprepared for these large projects. This session will do a deep dive into the trends driving solar, explain the technologies, and help participants plan and prepare for large-scale solar before it impacts their community. This will include a look at newer options for solar ordinance language.
Public Works A Roadmap for Public Works Upgrades Many municipalities struggle with where to begin when planning public works upgrades. This workshop will provide a step-by-step guide to initiating these projects, covering such critical topics as assessing infrastructure needs, securing funding, navigating regulatory requirements, and engaging the community. Participants will leave with practical strategies to confidently embark on their public works improvement journey.
Public Works Assessing Conditions of Small Culverts This workshop focuses on assessing culverts under 20 feet to identify structural issues affecting infrastructure and stormwater. It covers proactive maintenance to prevent failures, flooding, and road closures. Attendees will also learn how to use Pennsylvania's COSTARS-41 program for cost-effective repairs. The session is ideal for supervisors, public works staff, and engineers aiming to improve culvert performance and reduce risks.
Public Works Bridge on a Budget: How One Township Saved Time and Money This workshop presents a case study of a bridge replacement in West Wheatfield Township, which overcame complex construction challenges, such as narrow working areas and site constraints, and still achieved significant time and cost savings. The presentation covers the unique prefabricated bridge system that led to efficient design and installation, as well as cutting-edge construction strategies that can help townships reduce timelines and maximize funds and community impact.
Public Works Building a Better Stormwater Control Measure O&M Program Stormwater control measure (SCM) maintenance is more important than ever. Lack of maintenance can lead to failures and contribute to downstream flooding, erosion, and water quality issues. Townships with MS4 permits must ensure the proper operation and maintenance of certain SCMs, which can also help address MS4 pollutant reduction. This workshop will use a township case study to review inspection and compliance procedures, common issues observed, and effective education of property owners.
Public Works Creating Recreation Opportunities in Rural Townships Designed to give participants ideas for various programs, this workshop will cover how to plan and implement community-oriented activities using volunteer collaboration and community development efforts in successful recreation committee-sponsored programs. The session will also review challenges particular to rural township recreation committee volunteers.
Public Safety Crisis Communications: A Case Study In this workshop, participants will explore the vital role of effective communication during a crisis, using the response to the deadly R.M. Palmer explosion in West Reading as a case study. The session will cover strategies for managing public information, coordinating with emergency services, and maintaining public transparency. Attendees will learn best practices for delivering timely, clear updates, fostering trust, and supporting community resilience in the face of tragedy.
Public Safety Cybersecurity and Compliance In our interconnected world, cybersecurity and compliance are vital to any corporate strategy. This workshop provides an overview of the current cyber threat landscape and reviews the security measures needed to protect sensitive data in line with cyber insurance standards and Department of Defense guidelines. Participants will explore effective security policies, recommended technologies, and best practices to safeguard their organization’s digital assets.
Public Safety Cybersecurity and Your Township Designed to provide participants with an understanding of cybersecurity, this workshop will cover a range of topics, including the current cyber threat landscape, cybersecurity tools necessary to secure networks, and strategies for cyberattack preparedness and resiliency.
Public Works DCNR Grant Funding Opportunties Members of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation & Conservation will walk and talk participants through the opportunities and challenges of providing quality recreational facilities and programs for a community. They will discuss various programs and funding opportunities and how they have worked for other municipalities. Grant projects will also be shared to show how municipalities navigated the process to achieve success. Class participation and engagement will be strongly encouraged.
Public Works Economical and Sustainable Pavement Rehabilitation In this workshop, participants will learn how to use materials they already have to rehabilitate township pavements. This includes using recycling techniques, such as full-depth reclamation, cold in-place recycling, central plant cold recycling, and hot in-place recycling, to increase the miles of pavement that can be rehabilitated each year.
Public Safety Effective Relationships with Volunteer Fire Companies All fire departments in Pennsylvania must interact with boroughs and townships, and elected and appointed officials hold tremendous power over the fire department. Too often, FDs only communicate with local government at budget time or when a crisis occurs. Positive relationships with officials are essential to providing the best possible service to your community. This session will identify why unclear expectations between public officials and FD leaders can lead to problems
Public Works Electric Vehicle Updates and Resources for Local Governments PennDOT and DEP will present an introduction to electric vehicles and charging, a summary of available incentives for local governments, recent updates on electric vehicle initiatives in PA, and details on current and upcoming EV resources available for local governments. Content will include information on the community charging funding rounds of NEVI and new EV resources from PennDOT, including EV "tough question" videos and a model ordinance for Level 1 charging over sidewalks.
Public Safety EMS in Crisis: What Municipal Leaders Need to Know This session will provide a brief look at how the current EMS crisis developed and explore in depth how EMS is currently funded and what is needed to fix the primary issues of recruitment and retention, training opportunities; finance (operations and capital), and public apathy. Presenters will also share a set of tools for municipal leaders to evaluate the health of their current EMS agency or  potential providers if a change is needed.
Public Works Enforcing Effective Posted and Bonded Road Programs Enforcement is a key element of a successful posted and bonded road program, and collaborative relationships with enforcement agencies are important! Successful programs help to prevent damage to critical community infrastructure and position enforcement personnel to provide effective support. This is your chance to ask questions and have an open conversation about fines, penalties, and shared municipal best practices.
Public Works Establishing Partnerships to Implement Stormwater BMPs This presentation will provide an overview, including case studies, of why MS4 permit holders would consider a joint stormwater BMP project with co-permit holders to meet MS4 requirements. The session will identify the various ways that joint stormwater projects can provide MS4 credit to permit holders, why organizations would consider creating partnerships to implement stormwater projects, and what key information must be established when creating an agreement between MS4 permit holders.
Public Safety Establishing School Zones in PA In PA, all official school zones are posted at 15 mph. However, what makes a school zone official? Is a 15-mph speed limit enforceable in a school zone, and what are the speed tolerances? This session will cover PennDOT requirements for signage, markings, and lights in school zones, as well as the study that must be conducted using PennDOT Form TE-112. Whether on a state or local road, all school zones must be permitted by PennDOT.
Public Safety Fire and EMS Issues in Your Township Many townships continue to struggle to provide adequate fire and emergency medical services. This session will allow attendees to hear from and question a panel of fire and EMS leaders about trends, best practices, and other public safety issues.
Public Safety Flood Hazard Mitigation Through Floodplain Restoration Floodplain restoration, particularly legacy sediment removal projects, have significant potential for flood hazard mitigation through both local flood stage reduction and watershed scale peak rate attenuation. This presentation will review several completed projects, including some undertaken more than 10 years ago for other purposes (e.g. sediment and nutrient load reduction, PCSM, and habitat restoration), and discuss the hydraulic functions contributing to flood mitigation.
Public Works GIS & GPS Data Collection Services for Stormwater Systems RVE provided GIS and GPS data collection services to map and standardize stormwater assets per DEP guidelines for WMA. The project addressed EPA-mandated updates to stormwater regulations, ensuring accurate maps of outfalls and compliance with MS4 standards. RVE digitized WMA's data, ensured spatial accuracy, and trained staff on GPS equipment. The result was a color-coded stormwater map and GIS database that meets DEP standards and will aid WMA in future planning efforts. Learn how RVE did it.
Public Works How COSTARS Contracts Fit Into Township Operations In addition to providing an overview of the COSTARS program and how it works, this workshop will also break down some COSTARS contracts to show how they can help townships. For example, the presentation will look at how COSTARS-25, Municipal Work Vehicles, has helped townships purchase vehicles and can be a good entry point for municipalities new to COSTARS, and how COSTARS-41, Stormwater Management Products and Services, can support a township's stormwater management program.
Public Works How to Build the Truck You Want and the Smith System This workshop will cover a variety of topics for public works staff, including how to spec out the correct truck for your township; what truck engines work best with new emissions laws, your budget, and use; what packages and enhancements are available and make sense for your township; and the most effective way to build out a truck body design. The session will also explain the Smith System, which is a defensive driving technique aimed at improving driver safety.
Public Works Investing in Resiliency for Energy and Cost Savings Communities need to stay more than one step ahead and have proactive investment to adapt and reduce risks. Understanding your township's future opportunities for energy efficiency and how risk will change over time is the first step and allows for smarter and cost-effective planning. Join us to learn about:
• Strategies for decarbonization;
• Solar and battery storage;
• Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure;
• Key trends and best practices; and
• Funding resources.
Public Safety Is Your Number Up? Best Practices for Assigning Addresses This workshop will connect the dots between theory and practice by pointing to ordinances that help facilitate the assigning of addresses to structures. The presentation will also explore how to implement office processes to ensure addresses get assigned at the appropriate time in the process.
Public Safety Legal Update: Issues Affecting Part-Time Police Officers Focusing on a case study of DeForte v. Worthington, this workshop will provide an analysis of the current laws affecting part-time police officers and their availability for full employment. This workshop will cover recent court decisions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, U.S. District Courts, and the Third Circuit addressing issues related to due process, civil service, policies, and practical considerations related to employing part-time police officers.
Public Works Local Bridge Projects: Inspection, Maintenance & Funding This workshop will cover types of local bridge inspections and how often they should be done, bridge weight limit posting, maintenance item repair requirements, and alternative funding sources for local bridge projects.
Public Safety Managing Electric Vehicle Charging: An Ordinance Approach Electric vehicles are here to stay and bring many positive environmental advantages. However, each new technology always brings unintended consequences. How do we remain compatible safely? This session offers an approach to review the hazards and protection features in place, explains the need for better protection given the foreseeability of the hazard, and relates how legal, public safety, and elected officials came together to craft an ordinance to manage the hazard, particularly in garages.
Public Works Maximizing the Life Cycle of Township Roads This session will cover the latest cost-effective road preservation methods, including crack sealing, slurry seals, and asphalt rejuvenators. These techniques can extend the life of township roads, reduce overall maintenance costs, and enhance road safety. Attendees will learn practical steps to implement these strategies, ensuring longer-lasting infrastructure while optimizing budgets. The session is deal for township supervisors, public works staff, and road maintenance teams.
Public Safety Municipal Leadership in Sustaining the Fire Service As a leader responsible to ensure public safety, do you know the effectiveness of staffing, qualifications, and readiness to respond of your local fire service?  Join us for an interactive session to learn about some tools and tips to help develop/enhance a pathway for the sustainment of your local fire service.  We will share information on our new resource kit, how to map out a pathway to address items of concern, ordinances, and highlight some successful programs in the commonwealth.
Public Works Once-in-a-Generational Opportunity for Clean Water Financing Infrastructure maintenance, upgrades, and innovation are imperative for local governments to consistently provide access to clean water. PENNVEST will educate attendees on low-interest financing opportunities for water projects and the financial benefits of incorporating energy-saving innovations into project plans to help recoup 30-50% of eligible project costs as well as experience long-term cost savings.
Public Works Pavement Preservation: Managing Your Road Network Pavements are often an agency's most expensive asset. Developing a preservation mindset allows an agency to keep good roads in good condition and increase pavement service life without resorting to expensive rehabilitation. In this workshop, participants will perform an exercise to help them determine the value of the pavements they manage and learn about asset management techniques, such as remaining service life and equivalent annual cost. We will also review pavement preservation techniques.
Public Works Pavement Subgrade Stabilization and Conditioning This workshop covers subgrade stabilization and conditioning techniques to extend pavement life and road durability. Participants will learn about chemical treatments, geosynthetics, and mechanical methods to strengthen weak subgrades and improve load-bearing capacity. The session will also emphasize proper drainage and conditioning for environmental stressors, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Public Works Prioritizing Roadway Repairs This workshop will focus on effective tools and strategies for assessing the condition of roads and other township infrastructure. Learn how to use data-driven methods, such as pavement condition indices and GIS mapping, to evaluate infrastructure needs and prioritize repairs or upgrades. Attendees will discover best practices for determining which projects to fund and when, optimizing resources for long-term sustainability and cost efficiency.
Public Works Road Repairs for Less Than Half the Cost This session will feature a panel discussion and Q&A lead by township roadmasters and supervisors. Topics include submitted questions, such as: How can we do more road repairs with a tight budget? When should we contract out road work vs. doing it in-house? Can we really save up to 70% or more by doing road repairs in-house? When is surface milling acceptable vs. full-depth base repairs? What is the best way to stabilize gravel roads? Come early; the 2024 session was standing room only.
Public Safety The Role of Code Officials in Disaster Response This insightful presentation on the critical role of code officials in disaster response will cover effective communication strategies, coordination between government entities and code officials, and best practices for ensuring public safety. Key lessons learned from past disasters will guide discussions on identifying unsafe buildings and determining when condemnation is necessary to protect the community. Prepare to enhance your township's resilience and response capabilities.
Public Works Traffic Safety Around Schools This workshop will provide townships with a basic understanding of the issues related to transportation management in and around schools. The workshop will identify key issues and outline tools and techniques available to mitigate them.
Public Works Trails for All: The Why and How Trails attract people to the area to exercise, relax, and socialize, and well-developed and maintained trails also bring economic benefits. This session will explore how trails can be successfully planned, constructed, and maintained for the community's benefit. The presenters will discuss the many types of trails and how they can be used and review methods to plan for and fund trail construction and maintenance.
Public Safety Trends & Issues with Municipal Fire & EMS Service This workshop will discuss legal updates, trends, and issues faced by municipalities and elected officials in their interaction and working relationship with volunteer and paid fire and EMS first responders. Topics will include funding sources, regionalization, volunteer retention, municipal oversight, control and liability, the interplay of a municipality and a separate non-profit entity, and the impact and power of public opinion on public safety issues.
Public Works Water and Sewer System Challenges and Solutions Systems throughout Pennsylvania need significant investment in water and sewer infrastructure. Changing regulations only increase that need. At the same time, new and more stringent regulatory thresholds and increased costs for upgrading and operating systems have left small and large systems across Pennsylvania with difficult decisions to make. This workshop will discuss these challenges and one of several possible solutions: privatization.

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